Cartridge.



PATBNTED MAR. 14, 1.905.

No. 784,977l

F. H. BOWLY.

CARTRIDGE.

APPLIOATIMH FILED MAY a, 1904.

wwnesow NiTain STATES Patented March 14, 1905.

FRANK H. BOIVLY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

CARTRIDGE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 784,977, dated March 14, 1905;

Application led May 3, 1904. Serial No. 206,222.

To all whom it may concern:

Be itknown that I, FRANK H. BowLY, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, haveinvented new and useful Improvements in Cartridges, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a fire-ball cartridge constructed of thin paper, metal, celluloid, collodion, gelatin, or other suitable substance either of central or rim fire and so loaded that a discharge of an explosive will eject a noncxplosive combustible ball which will burn and emit a light during its trajectory.

rlhe object of the invention is to produce a device for signaling and capable also at times of providing pyrotechnic display of aerial colored lires for general celebrations, including parades and the like.

The cartridge embodying the features of the invention is intended to be used in and exploded bya pistol or other firearm of suitable construction, and when the ball is ejected it is propelled by a slow-burning explosive or powder and is in ignited condition and simulates a shooting star.

In the drawings, Figure l is a side elevation of a cartridge em bodying the features of the invention. Fig'. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of the same.

Similar numerals of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts in the views.

The numeral l designates a shell of any suitable material constructed similar to the ordinary form of cartridge and carrying a cap 2 in its closed end 3. The cartridge, as shown, is arranged for center lire; but it will be understood that it might be equally well changed to a rim fire without modifying the features of the invention. The body of the shell is partially filled with powder or other explosive material 4, and resting directly thereagainst is a ball or projectile 5 of non-explosive substance, but readily combustible. This ball or projectile may be slightly changed in its composition to give forthdifferent colors, and it is held in direct contact with the explosive material 4. A portion of the ball or projectile 5 extends outwardly from the shell,simi lar to an ordinarj7 ball-cartridge. The ballor projectile 5 is formed with a longitudinal cavity or recess 6 opening through the rear end thereof, and in this cavity or recess a slowburning powder or analogous material 7 is packed flush with the rear end of the ball. When the firing charge of powder or other material L is .ignited by exploding the cap 2, the slow-burning charge of powder or other material 7 also becomes ignited before leaving the shell 1, and simultaneously the ball or projectile 5 starts to burn and emits a light during its aerial flight or trajectory.

In the use of the improved cartridge it is disposed in a chamber and exploded by the contact therewith of a hammer or analogous device which engages the cap 2, or if it be a rim-fire cartridge the rim of the latter. One ball only is used in each cartridge, anda plurality of the improved cartridges may be carried by the user, in some instances having balls of different colors, which may be discharged at intervals, with a brilliant and pleasing effect. The improved cartridge is also adapted for signaling purposes, and it will be understood that the proportions of the shell, the explosive charge therein, and the ball may be varied as desired.

Having thus fully described the invention, what is claimed as new isl. A cartridge of the class set forth consisting ofashell having an explosive charge therein, and a combustible ball heldin the cartridge directly in contact with the explosive charge, the said ball being formed with a cavity opening through its rear end in which a slow-burning propulsive material is disposed.

2. A cartridge of the class set forth consisting of a shell having firing means at its closed end, an explosive charge therein, and asingle ball of combustible material held in the shell and provided with a charge of slow-burning material which is in contact with, and ignited by, the said explosive charge.

In testimony whereof Iaiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

FRANK H. BOWLY.

Witnesses:

JOHN KING, EDWARD R. REGAN, 

